'Shark Jaws' is about to be dismantled, how do locals and tourists feel?

The “Shark Jaw” building is located right in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, built on the old tram station, once a symbol of a vibrant development period of the capital. Although there are many debates about its demolition, it is undeniable that this building has left an impression on the hearts of Hanoians for decades.

Currently, the specific planning issue after the demolition has not been announced, but many people expect that this area will be renovated in a direction more suitable to the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake, while creating conditions for people to have more living space and tourism development.

The "Shark Jaw" building is a place that attracts many locals and tourists to check-in and take pictures on weekends.

As one of the people who had many years of memories with the "Shark Jaw" building, Ms. Thao (Hung Yen) shared: "I am very sorry that this project was demolished. About 15 years ago, I lived in Hanoi and often went to Hoan Kiem Lake, checking in at the "Shark Jaw" building. I see this building as a highlight of the capital, an ideal place for people and tourists to take pictures."

Not only is it a familiar place to take photos, this building is also closely associated with the daily lives of many Hanoians. Living in Hanoi since the 90s of the 20th century, Ms. Xuan Thanh (Ba Dinh district) said: "This is where my colleagues and I often come to drink coffee and admire the view of Hoan Kiem Lake on holidays and Tet. From the outside, this building has a unique architecture and is located in the most beautiful location in Hanoi. Therefore, the demolition makes me very regretful when this building has existed here for more than 30 years."

Although many people feel regretful, some tourists agree with the government's demolition policy if there is a reasonable renovation plan. Sharing with reporters, Mr. Quang Vinh (55 years old, from Thanh Hoa) expressed: "I occasionally come to Hanoi to travel, visit historical sites and see high-rise buildings in the capital. At Hoan Kiem Lake, I see the 'Shark Jaw' building with quite unique architecture, and if it is dismantled to make it better, I always support it. Because the memories will always be in everyone's heart, but we cannot keep old buildings forever, hindering the development of the city. If the demolition helps Hoan Kiem Lake become wider and more airy, that is a good thing."

International tourists enjoy taking pictures next to the "Shark Jaws" building before it was demolished.

In addition, Mr. Vinh also commented that the dismantling of "Shark Jaws" will not affect Hanoi's tourism much, because: "Hanoi does not only have this building to attract tourists. I do not know what the future planning will be, but if it is replaced with a more beautiful and suitable building, it can attract even more tourists."

While many people accept the change, some vendors around Hoan Kiem Lake are worried about their livelihoods. Ms. Nguyen Minh Phuong (43 years old, Hoan Kiem district) - a street vendor who has been in this area for more than 20 years could not hide her sadness: "When the Shark Jaw project is destroyed, vendors may not be able to sit here anymore, forced to move elsewhere or even quit their jobs."

At this time, Hanoians and tourists flock to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to take pictures next to the more than 30-year-old "Shark Jaw" building.

According to Ms. Phuong, selling goods around Hoan Kiem Lake helps her earn from 200,000 - 500,000 VND/day, which is the main source of income to support her family of three. Therefore, the demolition of the project will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of many small traders like her.

According to the directive of the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, the "Shark Jaw" project will be dismantled before the April 30 - May 1, 2025 holiday, to study, propose and arrange 3 basements in the existing square area and the expanded space (after dismantling the "Shark Jaw" building); At the same time, arrange cultural and commercial space in basement 1, parking area in basements 2 and 3.

Article and photos: Trung Nguyen

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ham-ca-map-sap-thao-do-cam-nghi-cua-nguoi-dan-va-du-khach-ra-sao-post339968.html